The National Railway Museum in York has applied for permission to demolish a former rail workers’ mess hall, known as the Sidings building, as part of its extensive redevelopment plans. The Sidings building, which was used by the museum as office space until its closure in 2022, is not a listed structure and has already received planning approval for demolition. This move is to facilitate the completion of the museum’s Central Hall building and Museum Square by the York Central Partnership.

It’s worth noting that no specific developers or builders have been mentioned in relation to the demolition or the broader redevelopment plans.

The museum’s redevelopment, termed “Vision 2025,” aims to restore and refurbish much of its historic railway building heritage. This includes the Stables, Station Hall, and Goods Office, all of which are undergoing refurbishment to conserve their original railway features. For instance, the Grade II listed Station Hall is set to receive a new roof as part of a multimillion-pound refurbishment program.

Additionally, the museum is exploring restoration options for the Bullnose building, formerly an office and residence for the railway’s coal manager. This building, which has been renamed the ‘Mineral Office’ to reflect its past use, has been out of operation since its days as a homeless shelter until 2009.

The City of York Council’s planning committee previously approved the National Railway Museum’s Central Hall plans in August of the prior year. This new space will serve as a bridge between the museum’s Great Hall and Station Hall, connecting other museum structures. Features of the Central Hall include a ‘Railway Futures Gallery,’ a café, a shop, flexible event space, and new visitor facilities. The museum aims to inaugurate this space in time for its 50th anniversary.

Judith McNicol, director of the National Railway Museum, expressed that these plans would elevate the museum’s status, aiming to make it the cultural heart of York Central.